SIRTF: the Next Step

The space infrared telescope facility (SIRTF) is a 1-meter class, long duration, super fluid helium-cooled telescope in Earth orbit, equipped with imaging and spectroscopic instrumentation operating over the wavelength range from 1.8 to 700 microns. The SIRTF will be the most powerful tool available for studying many of the compelling problems in contemporary astrophysics and for further exploration of the infrared sky demonstrated by IRAS. Adaptation of IRAS technology (cryogenics, optics, and pointing and guidance) is discussed.